Name: Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 6 eggs; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon white pepper; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 green onion, chopped; 5-6 roma tomatoes (about 1 lb), quartered; 3 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons ketchup; ½ tablespoon oyster sauce; ½ tablespoon soy sauce; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; ½ tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; 2 stalks green onion, chopped; Steamed rice

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If you’ve ever craved a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavors, the Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute must-try. This simple yet incredibly satisfying dish brings together fluffy scrambled eggs and tangy, juicy tomatoes in a saucy, savory medley that sings with sweet, salty, and umami notes. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again because it’s quick, easy, and perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re new to Chinese home cooking or just looking for a refreshing twist on eggs and tomatoes, this recipe delivers everything you need in a bowl of deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of scrambled eggs cooking in a black pan, showing a few small layers of soft, bright yellow and white eggs spread unevenly in the pan's center and edges. A woman's hand holds a spatula with a light pink silicone tip, gently stirring the eggs. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the eggs providing light fluffiness to the ripe tomatoes adding brightness and freshness. The sauces blend in layers of deep umami and just the right amount of sweetness, making every bite a delightful experience.

6 eggs: The star of the dish, eggs create a soft, silky texture that balances perfectly with the tomatoes.
½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the eggs and bringing out their natural flavor.
¼ teaspoon white pepper: Adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
3 cloves garlic minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant aroma that wakes up your taste buds.
1 green onion chopped: Brings a fresh, mild oniony crunch that brightens the dish.
5-6 roma tomatoes (about 1 lb), quartered: Their juicy flesh and concentrated flavor give the stir fry its signature tangy burst.
3 tablespoon water: Helps create a light sauce that coats the eggs and tomatoes nicely.
2 tablespoon ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of tomato richness that deepens the sauce.
½ tablespoon oyster sauce: Introduces savory depth and umami complexity for a true Chinese flavor.
½ tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances the saltiness and adds a subtle earthiness.
2 teaspoon brown sugar: Balances out the tomato acidity with a smooth caramel sweetness.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Gives a nutty finish and irresistible aroma to the dish.
Cornstarch Slurry (½ tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water): Thickens the sauce gently to coat everything beautifully.
2 stalks green onion, chopped (for serving): A fresh garnish that adds crunch and color when serving.
Steamed rice: The perfect neutral base to soak up all the wonderful sauce.

How to Make Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs

Start by cracking the eggs into a bowl and adding salt and white pepper. Beat them until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This will help make the eggs light and fluffy once cooked – the perfect contrast to the tender tomatoes.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

Heat a splash of oil in a wok or a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them cook undisturbed for a few seconds until they start to set at the edges. Gently scramble, cooking just enough so the eggs are softly set but still a little runny. Transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside to prevent overcooking.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics and Tomatoes

In the same wok, add a bit more oil, then toss in the minced garlic and half the chopped green onions. Stir-fry them briefly until fragrant. Next, add the quartered roma tomatoes. Cook them down for a few minutes until they release their juices and become tender but not mushy.

Step 4: Add Sauces and Simmer

Pour in the water, ketchup, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sprinkle the brown sugar over the tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce and Combine

Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and drizzle it into the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens just enough to lightly coat the tomatoes. Add the fluffy eggs back into the wok and gently mix them with the sauce and tomatoes, ensuring everything is evenly combined but the eggs stay soft and tender. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for that irresistible aroma.

How to Serve Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe

The image shows a black cooking pan filled with bright red tomato pieces simmering in a thin brown sauce with small bits of herbs and spices spread throughout. The tomatoes are whole or halved and look soft and shiny, with the sauce mixing around them. The pan has a rough texture inside and is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle the remaining chopped green onions on top just before serving. Their fresh crunch and mild bite add a lovely contrast to the soft eggs and tomatoes.

Side Dishes

This stir fry pairs beautifully with a simple bowl of steamed rice, which soaks up all the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside some stir-fried greens, like bok choy or spinach, to add a fresh vegetable component.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling adventurous, serve the Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe inside a warm scallion pancake or spoon it over a bed of fluffy congee for a comforting breakfast twist. You can also turn it into a filling for bao buns or a topping for noodles for a fun, casual meal idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will stay fresh for up to two days, making it a quick reheat-and-enjoy option for busy days.

Freezing

Because of the delicate texture of the eggs and tomatoes, freezing is not recommended as it can change the consistency and flavor when thawed.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and prevent the eggs from drying out. Stir occasionally to warm evenly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While roma tomatoes are preferred for their firmness and balanced acidity, any ripe, juicy tomatoes will work. Cherry tomatoes or vine-ripened tomatoes can add a sweeter note.

Is this dish spicy?

The classic Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of chili oil if you like a little heat.

Can I substitute ketchup with fresh tomatoes only?

Yes, you can skip ketchup and use more fresh tomatoes to keep it natural. However, ketchup adds a subtle sweetness and depth that enhances the sauce’s flavor complexity.

What’s the best way to get fluffy eggs?

Beating the eggs well to incorporate air and cooking them on medium-high heat while stirring gently ensures soft and fluffy eggs. Don’t overcook to keep them tender.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe uses oyster sauce, which is not vegetarian. You can substitute it with mushroom soy sauce or a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative to keep the umami flavor without animal products.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a quick, heartfelt kitchen hug that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Simple ingredients come together in a way that feels both homemade and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I can’t wait for you to try making this at home and experience how effortlessly delicious it is!